I want to make Christmas cake but I'm confused.

[giddykipper]

I'm an avid cook but have never made Christmas cake, mainly because I don't really like it, but I want to try and make one this year that I do like.

The bit I'm confused about is, how come it lasts so long when it has eggs and butter in it? Can I really make it now and it'll still be OK at Christmas?

You should make it now and feed it with brandy or other alcohol about once a week till you ice it. The alcohol keeps it fresh

Oh but that's my problem with Christmas cake, I don't like alcohol flavoured things (sherry trifle makes me heave). I was going to soak the fruit in tea rather than brandy.

I'm sure that still works - I have a recipe that you can do tee-total

So would I just pour some other liquid in instead? Like cold tea, or orange juice?

Still can't get my head around how butter and eggs can keep for a month.